From being on the Robotics Education Foundation Student Advisory Board, one of two Connecticut Board of Education student representatives, and State Equity Advisory Board member, Yasmeen Galal, senior at Woodland Regional, has been given a new title: captain. Galal is a four-year tennis player who has shown nothing but kindness, compassion, and understanding.

“I started playing tennis formally my freshman year, but I played a bit with my siblings and friends in middle school,” said Galal.

Galal always has a smile no matter the circumstances, and the team players look up to her for that. She always makes sure that she puts her best self forward and makes sure that she is going to perform to the best of her ability, even if there are challenges.

“My favorite memory is when we upset Holy Cross, the former NVL champions, during our first match of my junior year. I had an extremely long match but ultimately won 8-6,even while fasting for Ramadan, and as a team, we won 4-3. It was a close, long battle, but the team was extremely thrilled,” said Galal.

Even though tennis is a very competitive sport, Galal always has determination and pushes through any obstacle she has to overcome, one of her greatest qualities as a captain. Even though Galal already has a lot on her plate, she decided to take on the role of captain to guide the underclassmen and give them the motivation that her captains gave her.

“Some advice that I would give to the team is to practice a lot outside of the regular season. There are many public courts, and going and practicing is extremely beneficial,” advises Galal.

Galal spends her free time making sure that she can perfect her tennis skills, performing to the best of her ability, and be a role model for the younger girls on the team. She shows that goals are attainable when you put your mind to it.

“During Covid, I also spent a lot of my free time playing. After this, I knew I wanted to try out for the team in high school. It was my goal to make varsity as a freshman,and I’m glad I accomplished that goal.”

Galal is a kind, loving, and determined student and captain. The entire girl’s tennis tennis lucky to call Galal their captain.